Flight of the Phoenix Read Online Free Page B

Miss?”
    Bryn lifted her gaze and stared the Commodore right in his watery blue orbs. She whispered a spell to mesmerize him and batted her eye lashes. The Commodore’s eyes glazed and Bryn knew she had him. “Tell these gentlemen the tour is over.”
    The Commodore did as he was instructed. The city officials seemed glad to escape and scattered quickly. “This way, Commodore.”
    The Commodore followed her to the entrance of the passenger compartment where two guards were stationed to keep the curiosity seekers out. She pushed the Commodore in front of her. “Tell them we’re leaving shortly,” she hissed. “And to go home.”
    When the two guards had shuffled away, she shoved the Commodore aboard and ran to get Sam and Fingle. Tomlinson was standing with Sam and Quinn. His usual bland expression had been replaced by one of shock. “You aren’t seriously considering flying this thing to Africa?” He demanded of Bryn.
    Bryn ignored him. “Fingle, load the bags into the passenger compartment. The Commodore is inside and we really need to get underway. Sam, see if you can get the engines running.”
    â€œI say, Bryn, this is insane,” Tomlinson interjected.
    She turned on him. “Of course it is but any other option is unthinkable. Priest is much stronger, he’s younger, and he’s after us. Come with us or stay here. It matters not. We will be leaving immediately. Should you decide to remain behind, I’m sure Sam can maintain the engines.”
    â€œNo, no,” Tomlinson stuttered. “Consider me on board, though in my opinion, this is still a crazy scheme.”
    Bryn rolled her eyes. “If you can manage to constrain your negativity, please assist Sam in getting the engines running at full capacity. We leave as soon as they are ready.”
    When he’d run off to do as she bid, she hustled Fenix and Quinn on board after Fingle. She heard the roar of the engines starting and ran around the outside of the airship to speak to them. “Get the lines off,” she screamed. The green and gold gas bag of the ship high above them bobbed in the stiff autumn breeze tethered to the ground by ropes. It had a pointed nose to assist in airspeed, a tall, spiked dorsal fin and a fishtail-like rudder at the back for maneuvering.
    Tomlinson screamed back. “I’ll get the crew to set us free.”
    Bryn found Sam in the pilot’s house. “As soon as the lines are off, take her up.”
    Tomlinson pushed his way into the pilot’s cabin. “Lines are off. Get into the passenger’s cabin.”
    Bryn raced along the bouncing airship and dived into the door of the passenger cabin just as it lifted. The engines engaged and the entire ship pointed toward the sky and jetted into the air. They were headed for Africa.

Chapter 5
    Draak Priest woke in the middle of the street in a puddle of horse urine. He opened his eyes and screamed. Cardinal Malenfant had entered his body and was inside his head. After centuries of longing for his youth to be returned, just as he received that gift, he was cursed again. He groaned and sat up. A dray pulled by six enormous draft horses headed toward him hauling a massive wagon loaded with barrels. He rolled out of the way in the nick of time. The big animals splashed more horse piss on him and he was hit in the head with a clump of shit to top it all off.
    He sat in the reeking gutter clutching his head. Maybe the Cardinal was gone. He hadn’t heard from him since he awoke.
    â€œI’m still in here, you cretinous moron. And now we stink. No woman would allow you within ten feet of her smelling of piss and shit. Go find a place to clean your person. And throw these garments away.”
    Priest whimpered with barely suppressed rage. Now the intruder was assuming command and issuing orders. However, Malenfant was correct. He would have to change. He clambered to his feet and brushed